Probation officer salaries are typically better for professionals with prior experience in psychological care, counseling, social work, law enforcement, or chemical dependency treatment. These fields help individuals to develop skills that can transfer well to probation officer jobs, and employers like to have these experienced professionals join their organizations. Quite often, employers will offer financial incentives to bring them on board.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most lucrative salaries for this profession are paid by municipal governments. As government positions, probation officer salaries are greatly dependent on the affluence of the government agency and the cost of living within an area. According to the BLS, the highest average salaries for probation officers were in California, New Jersey and Connecticut - these areas have higher average household incomes and the courts have adjusted their salaries to attract qualified professionals. Even within a state, the salaries for probation officers can depend upon where one works; officers within city areas earn considerably more than those based in rural areas.

Probation officers who have years of experience on the job may take on more prominent positions including probation manager and agency director. There is usually a substantial increase with each significant promotion, depending upon the department one works for.

How to Become a Probation Officer

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